No Immediate Solution to Frequent Grid Collapses Say Power Minister

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has admitted that the country’s electricity grid remains highly vulnerable to frequent collapses, with no immediate end in sight.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Adelabu pointed to the security situation in the Northern region as a key factor impeding the repair of the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line, a critical artery for electricity distribution to the north.

The minister revealed that this line, which has been out of service since October 2024 due to vandalism, has placed immense pressure on the national grid, contributing to regular grid failures.

“The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line was one of two major lines transmitting power to the north,” Adelabu explained, noting that the grid is now relying on a single line, which increases the risk of collapses.

Despite the ongoing instability, the Minister stressed that the government is focused on reducing the frequency of grid collapses and ensuring quicker recovery times. He added that the government is working with security agencies to prevent further vandalism, which remains a significant challenge for the power sector.

In response to infrastructure challenges, Adelabu disclosed plans to invest N36 billion in the distribution of transformers across the six geopolitical zones and to revamp five key sub-stations. This initiative aims to address some of the systemic issues in the country’s power distribution network.

Adelabu also stated the problem of estimated billing, which affects over seven million customers, stating that the ministry is working to end it.

While the minister acknowledged the inherited weaknesses of the national grid, he maintained that long-term solutions are in the works. However, he cautioned that the road to a stable power supply will require sustained efforts from both the government and security agencies to secure critical infrastructure and reduce the impact of vandalism.

In 2024, Nigeria’s national grid experienced eight collapses, three of which were partial failures caused by generation issues.